Teaching in Tonga: Malo lelei Tokos!

I've officially made it through a whole week! My companion, Elder Kusgen is from Dallas, Texas and we get along really well. We act like brothers. The MTC is really fun and I am really enjoying it. But it is really hard and tiring. It's really hard sometimes to stay awake in class. All the Elders stay up pretty late talking and hanging out, but we have to wake up at 6:30 am everyday, so it's a struggle.

Tongan class is really fun and I am really enjoying it. It's easier than I had thought, but how much info we take in a day is crazy and so stressful. They gave us a booklet with 17 pages of vocab words and phrases in Tongan, and we have 10 days to remember it. We're on day 8 of 10 and I'm not even close. We do a lot of role play where our teacher acts as an investigator and he literally only speaks Tongan. He won't even speak a lick of English, even if we are struggling or stuck. It's so hard, but it really helps. I didn't think so at first, but it helps so much. It's only been 8 days and I feel like I'm fluent....jkjk, but I've learned so much.

The Spirit here is amazing. The classes and devotionals are literally life changing. I've learned so much, especially about why I am here and my purpose as a missionary. We haven't had any general authorities come in yet, which is a bummer, but it's alright. We got the chance to be picked to go sing at General Conference annnnnnnnnnd I did't get picked. They had 1200 missionaries sign up and drew names of 300. I wish I could do it...I really, really wish I could. (my sister knows my musical talents). I guess I'll just watch it here with everyone else.

I am loving it here. I've learned how important personal prayers are! I see an actual difference in my days, so I challenge all of you to say your personal prayers every night and morning!! You will see a difference!

Thanks to my sister, Breanna, for the cookies that she sent. And of course to my Mom...4 boxes already!

Till next week!

Ofas,
Elder Norman